Sweden can boast of having one of the world's most generous student aid systems. The intention is that everyone in Sweden should have the opportunity to study, regardless of background. Here is a guide that summarizes the most important information.
What is CSN (Centrala Studiestödsnämnden)?
CSN is the authority in Sweden that handles student aid, home equipment loans, and driver's license loans. CSN in Swedish
CSN does the following:
- Assess whether an individual is eligible for and pay out student aid
- Handle the repayment of loans
- Compile statistics on student aid
How Much Can You Get from CSN 2025?
CSN consists of two parts:
- Grant (you don't have to pay back this part)
- Loan (you pay back after your studies)
Ordinary Study Allowance per Week (Full-time)
| Type | Grant | Loan | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Study Allowance | 1,023 kr | 2,352 kr | 3,375 kr |
| Higher Grant | 2,263 kr | 1,112 kr | 3,375 kr |
Total amount is the same, but with the higher grant, the loan portion becomes lower, which is attractive.
Additional Allowance for Children
If you have children, you can receive an additional grant. For full-time studies:
- 1 child: 194 kr/week
- 2 children: 317 kr/week
- 3 children: 381 kr/week
- 4 children: 445 kr/week
How Much Can You Earn? (Tax-Free Allowance 2025)
The tax-free allowance is the limit for how much you can earn per half-year without affecting your CSN.
If you have CSN for 20 weeks full-time during a half-year:
You can earn up to 113,901 kr
| Weeks with CSN | Tax-Free Allowance (Full-time) |
|---|---|
| 5 weeks | 199,367 kr |
| 10 weeks | 170,878 kr |
| 15 weeks | 142,390 kr |
| 20 weeks | 113,901 kr |
| 26 weeks | 79,715 kr |
What is the Higher Grant?
The higher grant means that a larger portion of your study allowance is a grant, and you don't need to take out as much in loans. CSN in Swedish
The total amount is the same as for ordinary study allowances, but the money you need to pay back becomes lower.
Who Can Get the Higher Grant?
You can be eligible for the higher grant if you:
- Attend a folk high school at a corresponding level
- Study at a vocational school (upper secondary level)
- Take a supplementary teacher training program (KPU) that leads to a subject teacher's degree
- Participate in national vocational training (pilot project)
If you study within the EU/EEA or Switzerland at a corresponding level, you can also receive it.
How Do You Apply?
- You apply for study allowance as usual via CSN.
- CSN checks automatically if you are eligible for the higher grant – you don't need to specify it separately.
- If you are taking a KPU and CSN lacks information, you may need to submit an admission letter or certificate.
Apply on Time – the Money Can Run Out
CSN has a limited pot of money each year for the higher grant. Those who already receive it have priority to complete their studies.
If you are a new applicant and apply late in the year, the grant may be exhausted for the year – then you can try again next year.
CSN 2025 in Numbers
| Type of Support | Max/Week (Full-time) |
|---|---|
| Ordinary Study Allowance | 3,375 kr |
| Higher Grant | 3,375 kr (higher grant portion) |
| Additional Grant (1–4 children) | up to 445 kr |
| Additional Loan | 1,164 kr |
| Tax-Free Allowance (20 weeks) | 113,901 kr |
Source: CSN (in Swedish)
